Garden of the Gods: First-Timer Guide (What to Know Before You Go)
🌄 Garden of the Gods: First-Timer Guide (What to Know Before You Go)
If you’re planning your first visit to Garden of the Gods, here’s exactly what you need to know so you don’t waste your time or miss the best spots.
📍 Where it is
Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, about 1–1.5 hours south of Denver.
It’s one of the easiest places in Colorado to visit, no long hikes, no crazy planning, just show up and explore.
💰 Cost
It’s completely FREE to visit.
No entrance fee, no reservations required.
(Which is honestly rare for somewhere this pretty)
⏰ How much time you need
Plan for:
1 hour → quick scenic drive + a couple stops
2–3 hours → Hike around + hit the main spots
If you’re short on time, you can still see a lot without hiking much.
🚗 How to explore
You don’t have to hike a ton to see the best views.
There’s a scenic loop drive with multiple pull-offs.
👉 My biggest tip:
Don’t just stop at the first parking lot.
Drive the full loop and get out at a few different spots, they all look completely different.
📍 Best easy stops (don’t skip these)
Central Garden Trail
The main area with the giant rock formations
Flat, paved, super easy to walk
Stroller + wheelchair friendly
👉 If you only do one thing, do this.
Siamese Twins
Short, easy walk
Amazing view of Pikes Peak
There’s a little “window” in the rocks for photos
Mesa Overlook
Less crowded
Wide, open views
Really pretty at sunset and sunrise
Can see Garden of the Gods in front of Pikes Peak
🌅 Best time to go
Sunrise → quiet, soft light, fewer people & more animals
Sunset → best colors, but more crowded
Midday → easiest with kids, but busiest
👉 If you can, go early. Parking fills up fast especially in the summer.
🚗 Parking tips
Lots are small and fill quickly
If a lot is full, just keep driving another one is usually nearby, or you can loop around.
Early morning = easiest parking
👟 What to bring
Water (it’s dry here — you’ll feel it)
Sunscreen (the sun is strong)
Your camera/phone, you’ll definitely use it
(Links to my favorites are linked here, I makes a small percentage if you use my links)
👨👩👧👦 Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, this is one of the best places in Colorado with kids.
Easy walking paths
Space to explore
No long hikes required
👉 You can absolutely bring a stroller on the main trail
(My favorite is linked here, I makes a small percentage if you use my links)
⭐ My biggest Advice
Don’t treat this like a quick photo stop.
Take your time, walk around at least one trail, and explore a few different areas, it’s way more impressive up close than just driving through.
This is my favorite place to take family pictures, if you are in town and need updated family photos this is an amazing place to have them done!
💻 Planning your trip?
If you’re visiting Colorado Springs, here are a few things I personally recommend:
Where to stay - Garden of the Gods Resort
Check out my other guides for more things to do in Colorado Springs